by Swieqi United dominated the transfer announcements this week confirming three players on a semi-professional contract, while welcoming Jasper Adrianus de Muijnck as Director of Football Development. Keith Gouder has also returned to the Owls, ending his spell with Hibernians. Meanwhile, Hibernians confirmed that Kathleen Saliba will continue as the U16 coach, assisted by Kayleigh Chetcuti. San Gwann confirmed the retention of two players.
Hibernians Retain Saliba At U16
Hibernians U16 team will remain under the tutelage of Kathleen Saliba, with the club trusting her to be the right woman to continue developing their crop of players, while attempting to defend their invincible league title next year. Saliba will be assisted by Hibernians player and coach, Kayleigh Chetcuti, who was most recently leading the grassroots teams with the Paolites.
Swieqi Announce Emma Xuereb & Shona Zammit As First Semi-Pros With Sarah Urpani Who Joins From Hibernians
Having publicised their decision to offer semi-professional contracts to their players, Swieqi United have formally announced Emma Xuereb and Shona Zammit as the first players to have been signed on this basis. The club also confirmed the signature of Sarah Urpani from Hibernians on the same basis.
A product of Gozo’s academies, Emma Xuereb rose through the ranks in Maltese football and has established herself as one of the leading players at club and national team level. The full-back continued being a strong pillar in the first team with the Owls last season, while also being one of the main protagonists in Malta’s Women’s National Team as they achieved promotion into League B.
However, having been hampered by injury toward the end of last season, Swieqi United will be hoping to have the full-back fully fit for the upcoming season as they seek to add to their Assikura Women’s Knockout title.
Likewise, Shona Zammit has been a key player in the engine room, in supporting the defence while also being one of the main creators for the Owls and a key player for Malta’s Women’s National Team. Her retention in midfield will be an important one for the Owls as the team venture into next season without the presence of Dorianne Theuma to lead on the pitch, as she permanently shifts into coaching duties.
Zammit was often also trusted with the captaincy in the absence of Dorianne Theuma, confirming her leadership in the dressing room. Although this makes her a strong candidate for the captaincy, it is not yet clear who will be leading the team onto the pitch following Theuma’s retirement.
Last week, the Paolites also announced the departure of Sarah Urpani from the club, who was confirmed as the first signing for Swieqi United, and the third player to be contracted on a semi-pro basis. The midfielder was one of the most fielded players since Hibernians’ return and chipped in with eight goals during the last season.
Hibernians may have already found a replacement in Ileana Farrugia who was the first signing announced by the club. However, it remains to be seen whether Hibernians are seeking further depth in the squad, which appeared thin during last season.
Keith Gouder Returns To Swieqi, Club Welcomes Director of Football Development
Keith Gouder has also formally departed Hibernians and completed a return to the Owls. Keith Gouder previously coached Swieqi United’s senior women’s team between 2017 and 2022, before taking over as head coach to steer Hibernians on their return to the women’s sector in the season 2022/23. On the return, the team achieved a top four finish and a runners’ up spot in the Assikura Women’s Knockout, losing to Swieqi United.
Gouder led Hibernians to a top-four position before the league split in the 2023/24 season, before stepping into supporting duties to Kenneth Costantino. The team achieved a third-place finish and retained the runners’ up medal in the Assikura Women’s Knockout.
Keith Gouder returns to Swieqi United as part of the technical staff, assisting coaches Dorianne Theuma and Mandy Debono, focusing on match & data analysis. Having steered the Owls to promotion in 2016/17, as well as having secured eight domestic titles as coach, Gouder brings plenty of experience that strengthens the Owls’ technical staff.
In the past week, the club also welcomed Jasper Adrianus de Muijnck as ‘Director of Football Development’. The Dutchman brings experience from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), as well as the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ).
The new Director of Football Development expressed his enthusiasm toward the new venture with Swieqi United, “I am really looking forward to strengthen the staff working at Swieqi United FC to help to improve the football part in the club. Using my experience in football I will focus on programs and structures helping every player and coach in the club to reach their maximum potential.“
San Gwann Confirm Axiak & Darmanin Renewal
The Yellows have announced the retention of Tracy Axiak and Kelsey Darmanin. Axiak became a recurring presence in the heart of the defence for Julian Camilleri’s side as they secured a second place finish in the Bottom Four group of the Assikura Women’s League. Her retention will boost San Gwann as they seek to build on last season.
On the other hand, at just fourteen years old Kelsey Darmanin is one rising through the ranks from the U16 to the U19 league, which the Yellows will be keen to develop further as they seek to raise their level and take the challenge to the big four.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri / Michael Azzopardi
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